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Walter Scott Jr.

Walter Scott, Jr. and his wife, Suzanne, were among the foundational philanthropists supporting development of the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Today, some of Summit Bechtel Reserve’s most significant venues honor the Scott name.

Walter, a Distinguished Eagle Scout, had an illustrious career spanning numerous industries. He joined Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc. early in his career, ultimately becoming chairman, president, and CEO of the company, one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations. During his 19 years as head of the company, it grew and diversified into energy and telecommunications. He was later named chairman emeritus of Kiewit and chairman of Level 3, the company formed from Kiewit’s telecommunications business. Walter also was a director of Berkshire Hathaway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and Valmont Industries.

Scouting was a hallmark of Mr. Scott’s life. As a Boy Scout in the 1940s, he collected scrap metal for the war effort before earning the Eagle Scout Award in 1946, and as an adult, he served as president of the Mid-America Council and was recognized with the Distinguished Eagle Scout and Silver Buffalo awards for his service to the youth of America. Mr. Scott often said that the instruction he received as a Scout taught him how to formulate, follow through with, and achieve his biggest goals later in life. “And it was just plain fun,” he said.

Why I give...

“Our country faces a lot of challenges, but I believe if we make sure our future leaders are of good character, the kind of character the Boy Scouts have influenced for thousands of youth, our country will be in good shape.”

“I believe the lessons Scouts provides in forming goals and achieving them was a formative experience in my success in life — and it was also just plain fun. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn new things, I enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow Scouts, and I especially enjoyed camping. The love and respect for the outdoors and our natural environment that Scouting instilled in me continues to this day. But my childhood troop in Omaha (Neb.) could never have imagined anything like the Summit Bechtel Reserve. It is simply spectacular.”

‒ Walter Scott Jr.

Scouting Affiliation and Honors

  • Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
  • Silver Buffalo Award
  • Mid-America Council Past President
  • Citizen of the Year Award, Mid-America Council
Walter Scott Jr. addresses the crowd during the sealing of a time capsule within Scott Visitor Center at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.
Walter Scott Jr. addresses the crowd during the sealing of a time capsule within Scott Visitor Center at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.
Walter Scott, right, reviews some of the Scouting memorabilia on display within Scott Visitor Center.
Walter Scott, right, reviews some of the Scouting memorabilia on display within Scott Visitor Center.
Walter Scott, right, reviews some of the Scouting memorabilia on display within Scott Visitor Center.
Walter Scott, right, reviews some of the Scouting memorabilia on display within Scott Visitor Center.
Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist Walter Scott, left, engages Scouts from the Mid-America Council in the Scott Visitor Center Conference Room during the World Scout Jamboree.
Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist Walter Scott, left, engages Scouts from the Mid-America Council in the Scott Visitor Center Conference Room during the World Scout Jamboree.

Venues at Summit Bechtel Reserve

A double rainbow forms over Scott Visitor Center, illustrating how West Virginia, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve, is "Almost Heaven!"
A double rainbow forms over Scott Visitor Center, illustrating how West Virginia, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve, is "Almost Heaven!"
Scott Visitor Center provides the perfect backdrop for the Summit Bechtel Reserve's Appalachian Celebration.
Scott Visitor Center provides the perfect backdrop for the Summit Bechtel Reserve's Appalachian Celebration.
Scott Visitor Center houses a small Scouting museum.
Scott Visitor Center houses a small Scouting museum.
Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist Walter Scott, second from right, engages Scouts from the Mid-America Council in the Scott Visitor Center Conference Room during the World Scout Jamboree.
Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist Walter Scott, second from right, engages Scouts from the Mid-America Council in the Scott Visitor Center Conference Room during the World Scout Jamboree.

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